Greendale Construction has smashed its charity rowing challenge target, raising over £2,350 for Gabriel’s Journey, the company’s charity of the year. A Greendale team of sixteen rowed a total of 151 miles, beating the target 90 miles originally set as the distance between the firm’s Poole HQ and its Winchester office and back again.
Gabriel’s Journey raises funds for 15-year old Gabriel from Bridport; a twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome survivor, born at 33+4 weeks’ gestation along with his identical twin brother Isaac; sadly, stillborn. After his birth, Gabriel was resuscitated for 28 minutes by healthcare professionals; he had a neonatal intracranial haemorrhage, spent 4 days on a ventilator, required a blood transfusion and antibiotics. Gabriel is diagnosed with four limb cerebral palsy, epilepsy, global developmental delay, and is nonverbal.
In August 2023, Gabriel suffered a prolonged seizure which led to him being intubated. Unfortunately, the intubation caused severe damage to his airway, and despite multiple surgical procedures at both Southampton and Great Ormond Street Hospital, his health declined. On the 10th of November 2023, Gabriel underwent tracheostomy surgery. Since then, he has been diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome; a rare and unfortunately drug-resistant form of epilepsy.
Maria Seabright, Finance & HR Director, Greendale Construction, commented: “The money raised will go towards providing Gabriel with home adaptations, equipment, and therapies unavailable through the NHS or social care services, as well as adapted toys and holidays. Through our various fundraising events this year, Greendale Construction has now raised an incredible £3560 for Gabriel. We are beyond grateful to our Greendale rowers, and everyone who sponsored us, as well as everyone who has donated and supported our other fundraisers for Gabriel’s Journey this year. We’re all delighted and thrilled to have smashed our target and enabled Gabriel to continue to receive the best care and experiences to enhance his life.”
